When to Start Fertility Discussions During a Cancer Diagnosis

BySamradni Pradhan
Updated: 4 Aug 2025, 9:32 am

Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is never easy, as it can change the course of your life. It can also derail your plan of starting a family. Therefore, it is important to have a fertility discussion with your doctor before the cancer treatment begins. This blog will help you know when to talk about fertility, why it is crucial and how you can make informed choices in future.

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A cancer diagnosis is an overwhelming experience for many. It can make you anxious or confused about how your life is going to change. Most people focus on survival and treatment plans after the diagnosis. However, they often miss the critical aspect that can impact their chances of having biological children.

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Discussing your fertility may feel like a distant thing, as you may not want to have children right away. However, if this is something you want in the future, it is worth bringing up this conversation as early as possible.

Understanding why, when, and how to start fertility discussions will make it easier to talk about it with your doctor.


Why Fertility Should Be Part of the Initial Cancer Conversation

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery may affect your fertility. Some treatments even damage your eggs, sperm, or reproductive organs. Although these effects may be temporary in some cases, they may be permanent in others.

Knowing your options early allows you to consider them thoroughly and take action accordingly. It is beneficial if your treatment plan involves the use of therapies that may impact your reproductive health.

Fertility preservation methods like sperm or egg freezing are most effective before starting the treatment.

Fertility discussion with your doctor does not mean choosing to have children over your cancer treatment. It simply means considering both your health and well-being.


When Exactly Should You Start the Conversation?

The ideal time to start your fertility discussions is after your diagnosis and before starting the treatment.

You may find it uncomfortable to discuss fertility as it may feel too soon. However, the following points will help you understand why it is so critical.

  • Some fertility preservation options can only be done before treatment starts.
  • You may need time to think before consulting a fertility specialist.
  • Preserving fertility does not usually delay cancer treatment significantly.


What Questions Should You Ask Your Doctor?


You can ask the following questions to your oncologist or fertility specialist to help you prepare in every way.

  • Are there ways to preserve my fertility before treatment begins?
  • How much time do I have before starting treatment?
  • Can I be referred to a fertility specialist right away?
  • Will fertility preservation affect my treatment success?


Options for Fertility Preservation

The options vary for everyone depending on their age, gender, type of cancer, treatment plan, and personal goals.

For Women

  • Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation): It involves taking out good-quality mature eggs and freezing them.
  • Embryo freezing: It means fertilising eggs with sperm and then freezing the embryo for future use.
  • Ovarian tissue freezing: It is a new method in which a part of your ovarian tissue is removed and frozen.
  • Ovarian suppression: It uses medicines to stop your ovarian function and protect it during treatment temporarily.

For Men

  • Sperm banking: It means collecting and freezing sperm before treatment.
  • Testicular tissue freezing: It is a potential option for boys who have not yet reached puberty, but it is still in the experimental phase.


Addressing Emotional and Practical Barriers

You may feel unsure about talking about fertility while dealing with something as serious as cancer. You may constantly wonder:

  • “Is this the right time?”
  • “What if I do not survive? Should I still think about this?”
  • “What if I cannot afford fertility treatment?”
However, discussing your fertility goals does not mean you are committing to anything right away. It is about having a choice in the future.

Many organisations offer help to cancer patients by financing fertility preservation. You can explore such options and talk with your care team if cost is your concern.

A counsellor or support group can help you heal emotionally and overcome this situation. Please remember that you are not alone, and help is available.


The Role of Your Healthcare Team

Your healthcare team plays a huge role in guiding you through the process, which includes:

  • Your oncologist informs you about fertility risks.
  • A fertility specialist guides you through preservation options.
  • A counsellor or social worker helps you emotionally and practically in dealing with the situation.
You have every right to discuss your fertility with your doctor, even if they do not mention it.


Partner or Family Involvement

You can include your partner or a family member in the fertility discussion for a comfortable experience. You will feel supported and encouraged to go through it along with someone you trust.

The decisions may need to be quick, so you can discuss them with a person who understands your values and hopes for the future.

You may feel like you have lost control over a lot of things after a cancer diagnosis. However, you can control your fertility. Discussing it immediately after the diagnosis gives you the best chance to protect your future options.

You can still fulfil your dream of parenthood even with cancer. Asking the correct questions at the right time allows you to make decisions that respect your present and honour your future choices.

FAQs on When to Start Fertility Discussions During a Cancer Diagnosis


  1. What if my treatment is starting immediately? Do I still have time to preserve fertility?
    Most fertility preservation methods are quick and may just take a couple of weeks. Discuss them with your doctor right away, as some options may still be available even after treatment begins.
  2. I’m not sure if I want children in the future. Should I still consider fertility preservation?
    Fertility preservation is about having an option in case you want to have children later on in life. Preserving eggs, sperm, or embryos will give you that choice.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Karnika Tiwari, Head of Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Motherland Hospital, Noida